Lots of History Made
History was made in more ways than one as the Wilberforce University gymnastics team hosted the lone collegiate meet on an HBCU campus Sunday. It was also the first multi-team meet ever hosted the Wilberforce University at Gaston F. Lewis Arena.
In giving a lot of the fans their first in-person gymnastics experience, the gymnasts made sure to leave a lasting impression with a season-best 184.875 points, more than five points better than its previous season best. The green and gold clad hosts scored season-high marks in three of four events.
Three Wilberforce gymnasts won their individual events, including returning All-American Diamond Cook, who set a program and career high score of 9.825 on the floor exercise. It's the second time this season, Cook has won the floor exercise at a meet.
Sophomore Saniah Smith was the lone Wilberforce gymnast to claim her event outright, scouing a 9.6 on the balance beam. Junior Sydney Smith scored 9.575 on the uneven bars, tying another competitor for the win.
Saniah Smith participated in the uneven bars for the first time this season and posted a 9.125 - the Bulldogs' second-highest score. Junior Promise Jean-Marie (9.025), freshman Mya Caines (8.975), and sophomore Madison Kelly (8.9) rounded out the scoring on the uneven bars.
Led by a bunch of scintilating performances, the Bulldogs outperformed their previous season-high on the floor by nearly two points. Wilberforce has improved by almost six points since the beginning of the season. Junior Jaidyn Bryant (9.625), Caines (9.575), and Kelly (9.525) all tallied season-best scores, and the scoring was rounded out by Saniah Smith (8.925).
Sydney Smith was the top Bulldog on the vault with a 9.5, followed by Cook (9.375), Caines (9.3), freshman Kaleigh Garner (9.25), and sophomore Mikayla Clements (9.175).
Following Saniah Smith in the scoring on the Beam were senior Mackenzie Butler (9.35), Madison Kelly (8.85), freshman Myca Kelly (8.75), and Bryant (8.65).
Wilberforce returns to action 6 p.m. Friday at Northern Illinois University.